Legal Services (formerly Client Advocacy Service) was founded in 1977 and is sponsored by the Mental Health Advocates of WNY. Throughout its history, it has enabled thousands of mental health consumers to live independently by advocating for their basic rights and linking them to the support of appropriate community agencies.

Mission

To improve and help sustain the economic and social well-being of mental health consumers in Western New York through pro bono civil legal services and advocacy.

Vision

Empower and advocate for mental health consumers through legal assistance and community advocacy.

Eligibility

Live in Erie, Chautauqua, Genesee, Orleans, Wyoming County

Psychiatric Diagnosis

OUR SERVICES

Social Security Disability (SSD)/Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Appeal of Benefit Denial

Continuing Disability Review

Overpayments

Housing

Landlord/Tenant Problems

Evictions

Section 8 Informal Hearings

Public Assistance

Temporary Assistance

Food Stamps

Medicaid/Medicare

Consumer

Harassment from Collectors

Student Loan Discharges

Partnership with CLARO Clinic

Mental Health AdvocacyTestimonials

"Legal Services and Advocacy has been invaluable to me and, I am sure to many others as well. As the only advocacy program in the WNY area that provides legal help exclusively to mentally ill disabled individuals, it has certainly changed my life. …The professionalism and understanding of the staff, especially the LSA paralegal I worked with was wonderful. She and her colleagues made themselves available to answer questions and take me through the appeal process step-by-step."
The Mental Health Association of Erie County, Inc. is the only association in the area that provides legal services exclusively to mentally disabled persons who are in desperate need of these services to allow them some quality of life. The association has assisted my son who is severely mentally disabled so that he is able to afford medications that he needs to stay stable. The LSA attorney has been extremely helpful and easily accessible to assist us and educate us as to what services are available to the mentally disabled. Without her help I don't know what we would have done."For More Information